Category: Growth

Garbage In, Garbage Out: Media, Influence, and Choosing Our Input by Chris Wheeler

“Garbage in, garbage out” is one of the first phrases many computer science students learn. It’s a simple truth: computers will process whatever data they’re given—regardless of its quality. Bad input leads to bad output.

My interest in what used to be called “mass communications” began in high school, thanks to a teacher who made a strong impression on me. That teacher introduced our class to Marshall McLuhan, famous for his deep insights into media and its effects. We learned about the advertising industry and its carefully crafted messages designed to shape the perspectives of consumers.

One example has always stuck with me: Saturday morning commercials targeted at kids. These ads would show only the hands of a child playing with a toy, filmed from behind to simulate the viewer’s own perspective. The message was clear—imagine yourself owning and enjoying this toy.

When my children were young and we watched similar advertisements, I’d often ask them, “Whose hands are those?” It became a running question in our household, a reminder to look critically at the media we consume.

Today, the influence of mass communications has expanded far beyond television. Social media, constant notifications, and curated headlines surround us. I find myself mostly skimming headlines now, but sometimes a single image or mismatched photo stops me. Recently, I noticed a news photo that seemed entirely disconnected from its headline. Whether intentional or not, this is a reminder: news and media are often packaged to provoke reactions and drive profit, not just to inform.

Turning the Lens Inward

But there’s good news: perspective, self-talk, and thoughts are things we can influence. Modern stressors are now permanent features in the landscape of our lives, but our response is still up to us. Practicing mindfulness and what Science of Mind teaches—a mental recalibration—helps me reset and regain clarity.

Imagine if we consciously chose better inputs:

• Build our world on collaboration.
• Build our media on truth and understanding.
• Shape social platforms around positive connection.
• Use technology for empowerment.
• Consume foods that promote health and healing.
• Foster cultures rooted in creativity.

It all starts with the input we allow into our minds. We can’t always control what’s out there, but we can choose how we engage with it—and what we pass along.

–Chris Wheeler

SOAR 2025 Sharon Whealy, RScP

Earlier this month, I attended my first CSL SOAR retreat, this year held in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The theme this year was A Journey of Revelation, Restoration, and Grace wrapped in the Hero’s Journey. It was great to meet my fellow Practitioner Council members in person and to meet others from all over the Centers for Spiritual Living. The scenery was beautiful, the music was fantastic, and the speakers were inspiring. Here are some of the highlights of the weekend.

Thursday evening began with Rev. Dr. Christian Sorensen with a fiery talk about Interdimensionality, how we transcend our perceived limitations of physical and mental time and space to meet the infinite in this moment of now. Rev. Dr. Soni Cantrell Smith, CSL’s Spiritual Leader, followed with an introduction to the course of our weekend. The evening ended with a ritual of setting our intention for the weekend.

Friday morning began with Rev. Elzia Seku’s talk Stepping into Tomorrow, Embracing the Mystery. He invited us to step into the process of becoming and to embrace the power of perception and awareness, and to trust the process. He said, “Let wonder be your compass, mystery, curiosity, and the unknown is fertile with potential.” Deborah Gayle, RScP followed with her talk, We are One Heart Open Wide. She reminded us that we are all it, all the time and that what we contribute is vital and important. The invitation was to be the hero, a=irming I know who I am, I know what I am, and I know how to serve.

Friday evening invited us into the dark night of the soul. Rev Sunshine Daye asked us to reframe the darkness as a place of birthing and creativity, saying, “to embrace the dark is to embrace our own sacred beginning.” Rev. Dr. Petra Weldes followed with a storytelling exercise to help us befriend the darkness and to surrender to the experience.

Saturday morning’s talk was by Rev. Abigail Scherer titled, Where Your Monsters Become Your Guides. She reminded us that we were not buried, we were planted. And all that sh!t? That’s fertilizer! Those people we consider the enemy are threshold guardians that let us know we are on the doorstep of growth. Rev. Dr. Roger Teel followed with his talk, The Spark in the Dark. His talk a=irmed our “problems” are necessary for our evolution, that our dark nights are our invitations to the mysterious journey of the soul. He suggested we 1) make no comparisons, 2) make no judgements, 3) Delete the need to understand.

Saturday evening was given by Dr. Andrea Asebedo, the Alchemy of turning Lead into Gold, the lead being our undeveloped consciousness, and illumination being our gold. She reminded us that the shadow side of courage is fear, and that fear is the companion of growth. She exemplified this with a story of the cow, who every night would go into fear she had eaten all the grass, and she would starve, yet every morning, her pasture was rich with grass. The shadow of imagination is habit and routine, and she talked about love of their routine. Cow thoughts of worry and fear, and dog habits and routines, will keep us from growing through courage and imagination. CSL member, Claudette Godsen closed Saturday night with her gentle talk of the sacred art of becoming something new. She observed how so many of us look at our lives and see all the things not working, and that we simply must change our focus. She suggested we practice less striving and more allowing in “the sacred art of becoming something new.”

I was unable to attend Sunday morning’s sessions to be sure I made my flight home. That, my friends, is a story for another day.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

Emerging from Routine… By Chris Wheeler

I Ching Image # 3. Chaos – Where Brilliant Ideas are Born

I Ching Image # 3. Chaos – Where Brilliant Ideas are Born

For years—then all through COVID, and even until now—my music room was a comfortable nest of familiarity. Everything had settled into its place so completely that, at every turn, change felt insurmountable. My drum set sat planted in the same corner like an old tree. Every time I walked in to play, everything was exactly as I’d left it. Safe, but somehow stifling.

We’re often told that progress is the product of careful planning, step-by-step orderliness, and an unwavering commitment to structure. The desk should be neat, the calendar colorcoded, the to-do list checked off with precision. But life rarely happens so neatly—and even if it does, things can become stale or stagnant. Sometimes, in order to grow, we need to do something that feels backwards: we have to throw things out of order.

Order provides stability, but too much order can make us feel boxed in. When everything is predictable, patterns repeat themselves. We optimize for safety and comfort, but real progress often requires shaking things up.

Think about it. The rooms we live in for years—eventually, the arrangement becomes invisible. We stop asking if our furniture still suits us, or if we even like half the things we keep. The same pattern shows up in business routines, creative projects, and personal habits. We cling to “what works” until it stops working, and then we try to fix things by doubling down on the same old structure.

But sometimes the cure for stagnation isn’t reordering within the same frame—it’s tossing out the frame altogether.

Right now, I’m still in the thick of this process. It’s taking much longer than I expected, but I’m determined to see it through. The repercussions of reorganizing are already rumbling through the house as decisions get made and the overflow of items creates—and demands—attention.

It’s messy, and the disorder can be unnerving, but it’s necessary.

This process has freed up energy. It’s helped me recognize what I’ve outgrown and remember what still excites me. I can see new possibilities that I’d forgotten in the comfort of routine. I’m embracing the discomfort—chaos is loud, but it’s honest—and I’m challenging myself to rise to the occasion.

The next time you feel boxed in by your own order—whether in a music room or anywhere else—remember: progress doesn’t always begin by putting things in line. Sometimes, it begins when you pull everything out, start fresh, and let yourself discover a rhythm you never expected.

“Otherness” by Mariann Moery

I’ve been thinking and reading and wondering what it is within us humans that assigns doubt, fear and distancing to those who are seen as different. “Otherness” is the current naming for it, and it occasionally runs amok through the world.

And it is NOT restricted to any one political party or group.

Literal distance can certainly be a contributing factor, though it is not a requirement. Neighbors can be ‘other.’ A friend was telling me about a current cable series which is based on a society that has two groups. One, of course, socially more elevated with the ‘other’ group bound by rules, laws and behaviors strictly regulated and enforced. Not hard to take that metaphor into daily life historical and current.

But it needn’t be that overt. Each of us carries definitions of what is acceptable and what makes us nervous and reluctant to interact.

City mouse and Country mouse. Even in children’s literature the divide has been recognized.

And yet …

God wills us to have everything. As we express life, we fulfill God’s law of abundance, but we do this only as we realize that there is good enough to go around—only as we know that all of God’s gifts are given as freely and fully as the air and the sunshine… alike to all.

Ernest Holmes:  The Science of Mind 459.2

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too

Imagine all the people
Livin’ life in peace

John Lennon – Imagine

When we realize that God and man are One and not two, we shall love both. We shall love man as an expression of God, and God as the Life Principle in all…. We are to look for God in each other and love this God, forgetting all else. But would this compel us to accept from people that which is not good? Of course not! …for this would be like suffering for righteousness’ sake, which is always a mistake. We should be wise in the ways of the world, as well as imbued with Divine wisdom.

Ernest Holmes: The Science of Mind 459.5

And so the hard and harder part….to accept each and all as emanations of Spirit – the love that knows no bounds – while remaining able to disagree without hate or anger. It has been proven anger overrides intelligence. It limits our vision as to what might otherwise be possible.

It seems the times in which we live are well past ‘interesting’ and deeply into challenging.

My prayer is that enough of us learn to lean past our anger and open to knowing we are all One and that is the only way to move on.

–In Peace, Mariann

The Hallways of Life by Rev Rhoni Tretsven

Hello beautiful souls, recently I have had the privilege of having many conversations concerning what I name as the “Hallways of Life.” You know the pesky place that feels like you are in the doldrums. Nothing appears to move in any direction for us to understand where we are going, what our next step is, and there isn’t any light for us to see ahead to our future. Where is that door or window to let us out and unleash our talents to the world? I have many times ended up in that hallway. Wondering, wishing, watching. It is when I let go of how things “should be”, and trust the Divine Self, all will be revealed as I am to know it.

During one of my “stays” I, like most of us turn to books for inspiration or even a glimmer of how to escape the darkness of my mind. Yes, ministers are human too. As I scrolled through a few “Self Help” inspirational video’s, I happened upon a monologue given by Steve Harvey the host of Family Feud. It was about “Jumping” to your highest potential. I feel it is not just inspirational, but it gives us the gift of remembering who we are.

Steve Harvey did this impromptu monologue between tapings of the show. What I truly embrace is he encourages people to take a leap of faith and pursue their God-given talents and dreams, rather than staying in a safe but unfulfilling existence. He encourages us all to “Jump.” He explains, everyone has a gift: emphasizing that every individual is born with a unique gift or talent. This isn’t just about traditional artistic abilities; it could be anything from networking to cooking, teaching, or even landscaping. He further tells us, you have to jump to use your gift. To truly live and achieve success, you must take a chance and jump off the cliff of life. This means stepping out of your comfort zone and dedicating yourself to your gift. The parachute won’t open immediately. Harvey candidly warns that when you first jump, your parachute (success, support) will not open right away. You’ll likely face setbacks, failures, and hardships – you’ll hit the rocks and get some skin torn off.

Eventually, the parachute must open. This is the core message of hope. He assures listeners that if they persist and keep believing, their parachute will eventually open, as it’s a promise from God. He cites his own life experiences and God’s faithfulness as proof. Staying safe means never knowing your potential.

Harvey argues that if you choose to remain on the cliff, never taking that leap, your parachute will never open. You’ll never truly discover what God has in store for you or experience the abundant life you’re meant to have. Bills will always be there. He addresses common excuses like I have bills. He points out that bills exist whether you jump or not and living a life of just existing is not truly living.

As he continues, we suddenly understand this is a call to action, inspiring each one of us to overcome our fears, embrace our potential, and take the necessary risks/steps to live a life of purpose and fulfillment. I promise it will move you in many ways. I am grateful I can share some of my ah-ha moments along my journey of life with all of you, and the path I took to “see the light” and realize it is not an oncoming train.

He has written a book with the title, “Jump” if you choose to explore more.

–Namaste – Rev. Rhoni

 

Giving Peace a Real Chance in 2025 by Rev. Sue Oliver

This week’s theme is based on John Lennon and the Plastic Ono band’s iconic song “Give Peace a Chance,” sung in 1969 as a Vietnam war anthem (their YouTube video). The song’s main lyrics “All we are saying is give peace a chance” are even more relevant and important today than they were back then. These days, the internet, social media, and various channels predominantly broadcast the bad news – conflicts, wars, and other crises in the world, such that peace can seem like an everdistant dream or fairy tale. Yet, spiritual wisdom and our own experiences as metaphysicians remind us of the great news: peace doesn’t start on the world stage – it begins within. In Religious Science, we speak of a “world that works for all” – one that is ever emerging and evolving, despite appearances to the contrary.

Although I can and do experience various human emotions, such as fear, doubt, worry, anger, sadness, and others, in reaction to events in my life and around the globe, there is always an inherent peace at the center of my being, my true identity. Even when I feel irritated when someone cuts me off in traffic or outraged at some injustice in another country or our own, peace is still a possibility for me to choose…or not.

Ernest Holmes wrote, “Peace stands at the door of your consciousness and awaits your acceptance of It.” (Holmes Reader on Change, p.59) Thus, we do not need to chase peace, as it is present and available in, though, and as each of us – here, now, and always. Similarly, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh taught, “Peace is present right here and now… every breath we take, every step we take, can be filled with peace.” (Peace Is Every Step) Our task is not to search for peace, but to wake up to it, moment by moment.

Well, to be honest, I frequently fall asleep at the consciousness wheel and forget this spiritual truth for myself and others. So, I don’t always give peace a chance in my own life, let alone in the world. Holmes reminds us that “even one individual grounded in peace can uplift a group caught in conflict.” (Science of Mind Magazine, 1955) This is the ripple effect of spiritual practice and the power of a spiritual community like CSL Tucson, where we can remind each other of our divine identity that is peace, love, prosperity, and so much more.

So, how do we respond, instead of reacting, to the dissonance and challenges that we might experience in today’s world? How do we know and affirm a peaceful world that works for all, even when it can seem so futile?

We can start right where we are, with even the smallest of peaceful thoughts and actions: spending a few minutes each day in meditation and affirmative prayer, speaking words of peace instead of criticism, choosing to see others – even the most difficult ones – as expressions of the Divine, sharing a smile, offering a random act of kindness, and, of course, participating in the CSL Tucson community. These actions are not trivial – they are the real work of spiritual peacemaking that feeds and waters a world that works for all.

Let this be our affirmation and action: Peace begins with me. Peace moves in me, through me, and as me, into the world. I am giving peace a real chance today. And so it is!

–Rev. Sue Oliver

Remember Who You Are, Sharon Whealy RScP

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“You are a powerful, loving, and creative child of God. You are very loved.”

For the past several weeks, I have been drawing a card from Doreen Virtue’s Archangel Oracle card deck to help me ground my week. This week’s card was “Remember Who You Are,” a great reminder as I begin navigating a career change at 65 years old. I have been doing bookkeeping for decades, and I’m good at it; it is easy for me, and it is safe. It is also something I have been feeling complete with for a while now. Did I mention bookkeeping feels safe?

As I consider creating something entirely new, I have been experiencing self-doubt, procrastination, and fear. What if I’m not good enough? What if no one wants what I have to offer? What if doing something that feels like my soul’s calling won’t support me and pay my bills? What if, what if, what if …?

When we were kids, if we asked our mother, “What if …?” she would reflect the question back at us, saying something like, “Well, what if …?” She would not even entertain a question rooted in what is essentially fantasy thinking. Why is it that when we imagine a new future for ourselves, our first thoughts are all the ways things could go wrong, rather than imagining all the ways things could go right?

The expanded message of the card reminds us:

“You are made in the image and likeness of your Creator, so you embody aspects of all those qualities. Your inner Divine light is pure and bright in truth, and no mistakes can undo God’s handiwork of true perfection. Don’t be afraid of your power, your magnificence or your wisdom. When you succeed, you inspire others. When you change your life so that it’s more aligned with your interests, you inspire others. Be powerful! Be magnificent! This is who you are.” Archangel Oracle Cards ~ Doreen Virtue

When I pulled this card from the deck, I knew this was exactly the reminder I needed. I am Spirit incarnate; my inner Divine light is pure and bright in truth. Who am I to hide that light in self-doubt and fear? There are no mistakes in God’s world, and I am guided in this new venture. Changing my life to be more aligned with what my soul is calling me into allows me to step into my wisdom, my power, and my magnificence. When I align with my soul’s calling, I align with Spirit’s highest expression of Itself as me. I am powerful and magnificent.

And so are you!

My reminder to myself, and my reminder to you, is that we are all made in the image and likeness of our Creator, and that God, Spirit, Life is best served when we allow ourselves to shine brightly, to own our wisdom, to be in our power, to follow our dreams, and be magnificent.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

I Want to Live in Peace: Claiming My Right to Self-Determination by Chris Wheeler

In a world that often feels divided by politics, algorithms, and echo chambers, I find myself yearning for something simple and profound: peace. Not just the absence of conflict, but a deeper peace—a freedom to live authentically, to communicate my values without fear, and to participate in the ongoing progress of humankind.

Freedom to Express, Freedom to Forgive
I want to be able to speak my truth, whether or not it aligns with any group or ideology. True freedom means not being forced into silence or conformity. It means being able to share ideas, ask questions, and even make mistakes without the threat of persecution or retribution.

But freedom of speech is only part of the equation. I also want to improve my ability to forgive, even when forgiveness feels undeserved or difficult. Forgiveness isn’t always the obvious or easy choice, but I believe it’s essential for healing and moving forward—both personally and collectively. By practicing forgiveness, I can help break cycles of resentment and open doors to understanding.

Doing the Work of Inclusion and Humility
Inclusivity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, empathy, and a willingness to listen. I want to do the work necessary to be inclusive, to recognize my own biases, and to make space for voices that have been marginalized or silenced. That means practicing humility—acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers and that every human being has inherent worth.

Rising Above the Noise
It’s easy to get swept up in the chaos and negativity amplified by social media algorithms. These digital forces often reward outrage and division, making it harder to see each other’s humanity. I want to rise above that noise. I want liberty and justice for ALL—not as slogans co-opted by partisan politics, but as real, lived values that guide our actions.

The Right to Learn and Dialogue
Education is a cornerstone of freedom. I want the ability to educate myself without censorship or ideological gatekeeping. I want safe, open dialogue where people can share ideas and experiences without fear of being attacked or ostracized. Progress depends on our willingness to listen, to question, and to grow together.

Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future
I don’t want to recreate some imagined “golden age” or demand adherence to any prescribed religion or philosophy. I want to learn from our shared history—the triumphs and the mistakes—so we can build something better. My actions, not just my beliefs, can be an agent of change.

Balancing Individual and Collective Rights
Personal freedom is essential, but it must be balanced with the rights and freedoms of others. Societies achieve this through laws, dialogue, and institutions that mediate conflicts and promote mutual respect. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary if we want to live in peace.

My Commitment
I claim my right to self-determination. I commit to doing the hard work of inclusion, humility, and forgiveness. I will speak my truth, listen to others, and strive to be an agent of positive change. I want to participate in the progress of humankind—not as a bystander, but as an active, compassionate, and thoughtful citizen.

Let’s choose peace. Let’s choose understanding. Let’s choose liberty and justice for all.

–Chris Wheeler

The Unfolding Seed: Nurturing Spiritual Growth By Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

Tamara Morrison, ELSP

Spiritual growth, much like the slow, deliberate unfurling of a seed, is a deeply personal and transformative journey. It’s not about reaching a fixed destination, but rather about cultivating an inner landscape that is fertile for wisdom, compassion, and a profound connection to something larger than ourselves. This journey we place ourselves on is marked by moments of quiet reflection, challenging periods of shedding old beliefs, and the gradual blossoming of a more authentic and expansive self. This month I will be talking about our slow stroll through our mental and spiritual garden. What seeds are we planting? What are we witnessing in our lives? Mental weeds of negative thinking? Tangled roots of a belief system that no longer works? How do we plant seeds better and reap the spiritual and mental rewards of a garden that nourishes us?

The initial seed of spiritual growth is often planted by a sense of unease, a yearning for something more, or perhaps a profound life event that shakes the foundations of our existing worldview. This initial stirring can feel like a subtle whisper, an intuitive nudge towards introspection. As we begin to pay attention to this inner prompting, we start to till the soil of our consciousness. This might involve practices like meditation, prayer, spending time in nature, or engaging with sacred texts and teachings. These practices act as sunlight and water for the nascent seed, providing the nourishment needed for it to sprout.

As the seed sends roots down, we inevitably encounter obstacles – the hard stones of ingrained habits, the tangled weeds of limiting beliefs, and the dry spells of doubt and discouragement. Spiritual growth requires courage and perseverance to navigate these challenges. It demands honesty with ourselves, a willingness to confront our shadows, and the humility to learn from our mistakes. This process of clearing and tending can be uncomfortable, even painful at times, but it is essential for creating a strong and healthy foundation for further growth.

The unfolding of spiritual growth is not linear. There will be periods of rapid expansion, where new insights and understandings blossom like vibrant flowers. There will also be times of dormancy, where outward progress seems slow, but deep inner work is still taking place beneath the surface. Just as a plant goes through seasons, our spiritual journey has its own rhythms of growth, rest, and renewal. The key is to remain patient, trusting the inherent wisdom of the process.

Ultimately, the fruit of spiritual growth is a deeper sense of peace, connection, and purpose. We begin to see the interconnectedness of all things, fostering greater compassion and empathy for ourselves and others. The relentless pursuit of external validation diminishes as we tap into an inner source of strength and contentment. We realize that the journey itself is the destination, and that the ongoing unfolding of our spiritual potential is a lifelong and deeply rewarding endeavor. Like a tree that continues to grow and reach for the light, our spirit too is meant to expand, to learn, and to contribute its unique beauty to the tapestry of existence. What tapestry of light are you weaving?

–Namaste, Rev. Rhoni

Evolution Ongoing and Eternal by Chris Wheeler

”Through spiritual discernment, we see that we have within us a power which can overcome every obstacle in our experience and set us safe, satisfied and at peace healed, and prosperous in a new light and a new life.“ Ernest Holmes from (Your Aladdin’s Lamp by William H.D. Hornaday pg. 218

Science of Mind is the proof I needed to realize Religion has not stopped growing.

Once upon a time human beings were totally at the mercy of the elements, the earth and the heavens. We were in the process of learning and understanding the basics of survival.

There were things that we couldn’t reckon with: storms, floods and all sorts of disasters. Without any understanding of the mechanics and causes of things we experimented with ideas relating to the supernatural. If we did not have the power over these forces maybe someone or something did. Then there were all sorts of deities to be experimented with.

Time went on and our understanding grew. We understood that we have an effect on the world, and we can change certain aspects of our environment increasing our chances of survival.

We were having a bit of success with things around us. Our tribes were turning villages, villages into cities, cities into empires. Then monarchs were often given total power because any deity(s) involved must be on our side because we won. And this person must have a connection to the deity because we won … so the leader gets total power. And So It Goes…..

But our concept of God has been evolving along with our ability to comprehend increasingly complex systems.

We now have new information thanks to Ernest Holmes because of his attention to all religions. As our knowledge and understanding has increased, this new thought also coincides with our scientific knowledge. Our understanding of the universe (multiverse) has been realigned with an increased understanding of God and new laws that align with our understanding of God.

“Consequently, evolution is an eternal unfoldment of the more yet to be.” Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind Text – 44.1

We now have an increasing ability to influence and change our reality like never before. We will continue to evolve and gain a better understanding of the unknown. Leading us to an ever-increasing connection to God.

–Chris Wheeler

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